PHRASAL
VERBS
Phrasal verbs are
"compound verbs" that consist of two or three words. The first word
is always a common verb and the second may be an adverb or a preposition. The latter
component is also called a particle.
CHARACTERISTICS PHRASAL
VERBS.
1. Many times a Phrasal Verb
can be replaced by another verb, but it must be taken into account that a
phrasal verb is used more in spoken English and common verbs are used in formal
writing.
I came back tired and hungry
He returned to Mexico three
years later
The 2 previous examples show
that the use of a phrasal verb come back as a common verb to return mean to return, but are used in different
contexts.
2. Some particles retain
their meaning, even when used with different verbs.
I'll call you back later
She wrote to him but he
never wrote back.
Carry
on
with your work
They stayed on for another week at the hotel
Drink
up!
We have to go
Eat
up
all your vegetables. They are good for you
In the previous examples we
can note that the back, on and up particles maintain their meaning despite their
uses with different verbs. why:
Back indicates that something is returned (a
call, a letter).
On indicates that a sense of continuity is
given to the verbs.
Up indicates that
something is completely over.
|
1
|
agree with
|
I don't agree with Carlos.
|
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2
|
be about to
|
We are about to leave here
|
|
3
|
be back
|
I'll be back in a fivex minutes
|
|
4
|
be out of
|
They are out of food now
|
|
5
|
be over
|
In 24 minutes, everything will be over!
|
|
6
|
call back
|
I will call back in two hours.
|
|
7
|
clear up
|
Let's clear up this problem
|
|
8
|
come back
|
You must come back before five
o'clock
|
|
9
|
come on
|
Come on! I can't wait
any more
|
|
10
|
cut down on
|
Mary tried to cut down on his
expenses
|
